GalleryFrankland Islands Reef, Rainforest & River Day Tour from Cairns Highlights
- Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us!
- 30 min calm water cruise down the Mulgrave River
- 4 hrs at Normanby Island in the Frankland Islands archipelago, a natural wildlife haven & a protected national park
- Use of all snorkelling equipment to explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef
- Guided snorkelling tour from the beach, plus a snorkelling safari from the boat along the western reefs
- Use of other watersport equipment including stand-up paddleboards & kayaks
- Guided island walk with a marine biologist & Master Reef Guide to learn more about the pristine Frankland Islands
- A delicious morning tea, buffet lunch, & afternoon tea
- Return coach transfers from Cairns CBD accommodation
Where we Visit:
- Mulgrave River
- Frankland Islands
- Normanby Island
- Great Barrier Reef
What to Expect
Your tropical island adventure begins as you board an air-conditioned coach from Cairns and travel south through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest mountains, fields of sugar cane and the iconic Walsh's Pyramid – the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they can. Extreme low tides may vary the times of the tour or cause it to be cancelled. We will advise guests at the time of booking or as soon as possible afterwards if this is the case. The tour duration stays the same, we just depart later and return later. We will not depart earlier than our usual time of 8:30 am.
Between 4 and 4.5 hours.
After departure, we serve morning tea on board the Turtle Islander. The timing of the day depends on guest numbers and pre-booked optional activities. The crew will provide an outline of the timing for the day before arriving at the island. There is also a chalkboard at the picnic area with the information for guests to refer to, and if you need more information or advice throughout the day, you can ask any of our friendly crew!
Yes, we can arrange special meals for most dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We provide lycra suits free of charge from November to April. During this time, they are compulsory for all our guests to wear them.
Yes! During our day on the island young children can easily swim or snorkel from the beach. We provide flotation devices and our snorkel guides are happy to help with equipment and tuition. The guided island walk and our kids' treasure hunt are also great fun for children.
Guests are welcome to bring portable prams, but please note there is no paved walk so they will need to carry or push them on the sand. The shaded picnic area is a lovely spot for a nap for the little ones.
As there are no paved walkways on the island, guests need to be able to walk up to 100 metres on sand and navigate stairs on board the vessel. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs.
There are no toilets on the island, but we run direct shuttles back to the main vessel for any toilet breaks required.
Yes, we will still visit the Great Barrier Reef if it is raining! Please be aware there is limited shelter on the island. We recommend bringing a light waterproof jacket.
Yes, our tour is more suitable than many other Great Barrier Reef tours for guests who may get seasick, as we have a calm water river cruise and the shortest crossing to the Great Barrier Reef of just 10 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes). Once we arrive at our destination, we base ourselves on the island, which does not move, and you can recover quickly and enjoy your Great Barrier Reef experience. If you are still concerned, we recommend you take seasickness medication.
Sorry, fishing is not permitted on this tour.
Reviews for Frankland Islands Reef, Rainforest & River Day Tour from Cairns
1 Reviews
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2/5/2025
One of the best days ever!! I had so much fun snorkelling around, being my first time in Australia is was everything I imaged and more.
Policies
- The Operator reserves the right to change fares or itineraries to suit prevailing conditions
- The Operator does not guarantee weather conditions on the date of travel this includes in-water visibility. Tours are operated in wet weather. However, where flooding and associated dangers...
- Bookings may be cancelled, or dates changed up to 24 hours prior to departure with no cancellation or change fee (subject to seat availability)
- Inside 24 hours, cancellation or failure to board will incur 100% cancellation fee